Summary

Due to the minimum requirement of the EEC Regulation 2092/91 of 40 days organic piglet suckling period typically takes about 6 weeks. But piglets weaned in such a way are often characterized by inferior performance and health status. Therefore a study with a control group (42 days suckling period) and a test group (63 days suckling period) of 18 sows each should clarify whether an extended suckling period and therefore older piglets result in better performance and health status of the piglets. Three farrowing cycles with 108 litters were recorded. The extended suckling period caused an improved piglets’ growth rate, a reduced number of medically treated piglets but an almost unaffected piglet loss rate and a positively affected body condition of the sows without any teat problems. Hence a prolongation of the suckling period compared to the minimum requirement seems favourable.